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Fruit Prospects in Kent. [July, 



curing are practically the same as those required to give best 

 results in the Cheddar system, viz., temperature not exceeding 

 65 degrees, and a relative humidity of from 70 degrees to 

 ■80 degrees. Edam cheese, which takes its name from a town in 

 North Holland, is one of the two most popular varieties of 

 Dutch cheese. It withstands the effect of high temperatures 

 better than most varieties, and for this reason it is largely 

 exported to tropical countries. 



The Board have received from Mr. Charles Whitehead, F.L.S., 



one of their Agricultural Correspondents, the following report 



on fruit prospects in Kent : — 



Fruit Prospects Cherries. — In the very important cherry 

 in Kent. . . ^ , r . . ; 



orchards in East Kent the iruit is much 



below an average. In many places it is only about a third of 

 an average crop. Here and there in the Maidstone and Weald 

 of Kent district there is a better crop, but these orchards are 

 comparatively few compared with those in East Kent. The 

 blossom was abnormally abundant everywhere, but birds, in- 

 sects, and east winds caused much harm. The previous wet 

 autumn and winter also weakened the trees. The price of 

 cherries has not been satisfactory considering the shortness of 

 the crop. The importation of cherries has been large, and the 

 extraordinary crop of strawberries has lessened the demand for 

 cherries. 



Cobs and Filberts. — These are somewhat short generally, 

 having been injured by caterpillars in many places. 



Strawberries. — There is an unusually heavy crop of this 

 fruit, which is, as a rule, of fine quality, but prices are very low. 



Red Currants. — These are a fair crop, but hardly up to the 

 average in some parts, and are making fair prices. 



Black Currants. — A better crop than last year. The mite 

 causing " big bud " has again caused much mischief. The 

 acreage is diminishing, as growers are afraid to plant or renew 

 plantations on account of the mite. 



Raspberries. — The wet autumn and winter did not suit the 

 canes, many of which died off, and the crop only promises to be 

 half or three-quarters as large as an average one. 



